New baby? How to find the right car

Having babies isn't for sissies. All of a sudden you have to deal with sleep deprivation, teething issues, and dirty nappies. You can pretty much say goodbye to life as you know it! Fortunately, it doesn't stay that way forever, but the last thing you need right now is to deal with a car that doesn't fit a baby stroller properly or cause you to struggle when installing that car seat. I remember wrestling with a large stroller back in the day when my kiddies were small. If you're an exhausted parent, you don't need these additional complications in your life - and you don't want to teach your babies any foul language, now do you?

This brings us to finding the right car if there's a little one on the way, or if he/she has already arrived. If you have a car in mind, we suggest that when you take your baby seat and stroller or pram along when you go to the dealership. This way, you can check out whether the car in question is going to make your life easier, or more frustrating.

Here's what to look out for when buying that new family vehicle:

 

1. It shouldn't be too low to the ground

If you'll be putting your baby into their seat and safely securing them inside it regularly (which you will!), your back is going to be worse for wear if the car is too low. Imagine going through this manoeuvre three times a day - in and out, in and out...you'll be visiting the physiotherapist least once a week. For this reason, new parents opt for crossovers or SUVs with a bit of ground clearance. This doesn't mean hatchbacks, MPVs and sedans are out of the question, though. There are plenty of options that are not going to cause you to slip a disk (think Toyota Corolla, VW Polo Sedan, Suzuki Ciaz). We just suggest that you rather steer clear of the low-slung models. (Say goodbye to your Mazda MX-5...)

If you decide on an SUV with very high ground clearance, and you're not very tall, make sure there are side steps. (Some of the pricier, premium SUVs can be lowered thanks to adaptive air suspension, but check with the dealership.)

 

 

2. Isofix child seat anchorage points are preferable

These days, most new(ish) cars have ISOFIX child seat fittings that work in conjunction with ISOFIX baby/child seats. Usually, the ISOFIX points are found on the outer rear seats, and sometimes on the seat in front (you are then able to deactivate the front passenger airbag), or on additional seats in larger cars. The ISOFIX points allow you to easily click your baby's seat into a compatible base. It's the safest way for your little one to travel. However, don't fret if you can't afford a car with Isofix, there are plenty of other seats available that also offer sufficient protection. Read how to buy the best car seat for your child.

 

 

*A point to remember about ISOFIX: In some cars, the base can be really tricky to fit! But once it's properly installed, you're probably not going to be removing and re-installing it all that often, you'll just be removing the child seat. Cars that stand out with regards to ease of use, include the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Mustang, as well as the Audi A3 sedan! This is according to Juliet McGuire, who is also a motoring journalist, and who recently became a mom. 

 

3. The rear doors should be able to open widely

Child seats can be quite bulky, so ensure that the back doors open wide enough so there's enough space for you to comfortably place the child seat inside the car and strap your child or toddler in without losing your temper.

 

4. The cargo area should be large enough to fit a baby stroller or pram

Some strollers have a very compact design while others are bulky and difficult to handle. If you have your stroller with you when you visit the dealership or to view a private listing, you will be able to experiment how easily you'll be able to stow it in the boot, and if there's space left for other items, if needed.

Some parents still prefer sedans for this reason. I can recommend the Suzuki Ciaz, Polo sedan, Honda Ballade, Honda Civic, Mazda 3 sedan, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla Quest.

I am driving the Toyota Corolla hybrid at the moment, and it's so user friendly. There's space for a large stroller (and more), and it's ultra-light on fuel.

 

5. Look at the child occupant safety ratings of cars

We all know that crash test safety ratings give you the best indication of how well-protected the driver and passengers will be in case of an accident. Not everyone can afford cars with six airbags and a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, but some inexpensive cars are a lot safer for kids and babies than others. The fact is - you don't need to spend big on a premium SUV to be safe. Take a look at these examples that were tested in the AA's Safer Cars for Africa campaign: the amount of green stars is the rating for child occupant protection (the dummy is strapped into a car seat for the test).

 

The Sandero is the only small car on this list to attain a four-star child-occupancy safety rating, while the Polo Vivo and Toyota Etios get three stars. Note the adult protection ratings as well.

 

6. Leather seats are easier to keep clean

This is obviously not a must-have as leather seats can be pricey, but in the long run, it's just so much easier to wipe down with a damp cloth. Babies tend to have moments where their formula or food doesn't agree with them, and often times the mess isn't as contained as you would like. The downside of leather, especially if it's black, is that small children may burn themselves against it after the car has been baking in the hot sun. I would still opt for leather and just keep the seats covered with a sheet when the vehicle is standing outside.

 

7. The boot lip shouldn't be too high 

Having to lift a heavy stroller too high may also cause you back problems due to repeated up-and-over manoeuvres (known as repetitive strain injuries) - this is why you need to take the pram or stroller along when you go for a test drive or visit a dealership, so you can try it out. (Activating your abdominals and hamstrings before you lift will also assist in keeping your back in good shape).

 

Which cars are best for babies?

Since there are so many cars on the market aimed at families, it will come down to what works for you and your personal preferences, the size and style of your baby's pram and child seat, as well as your future life choices. Are you planning on having any more kids? How big will your family ultimately be? Are you going to go off-road often? Do you just need something small for the city, or do you need a large SUV for weekend adventures? How big is your budget? 

I drive many compact SUVs / crossovers, and quite honestly, there are so many in the market that are well-priced and big on features, that it is hard to narrow it down to even just ten. This is the busiest market segment for young families. (It seems that the MPV is also making a comeback, if you have no need for an SUV. Consider the Toyota Rumion, Suzuki Ertiga, Mini Cooper Clubman, Mitsubishi Xpander.)

 

Small SUVs: The new Kia Sonet is good, then you will also find the more budget-orientated Nissan Magnite and Nissan Kiger (equally spacious, and almost identical) in this segment. Two other practical family SUVs include the Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser. The Haval Jolion is said to be pretty good as well - it certainly has enough features, while the Mahindra XUV300 shines in the safety department, and the diesel models are oh-so-frugal.

 

Slightly more expensive SUVs/crossovers with more safety features include the Volkswagen T-Cross, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport (just bear in mind its boot has a side hinge), and Honda W-RV. Don't forget about the Kia Seltos, and Renault Duster either. The Mahindra XUV300 (entry-level models are surprisingly affordable) is one of the safest, cheapest compact SUVs, while the snazzy new Peugeot 2008 has just won SA COTY for 2021. The Hyundai Creta, Toyota RAV4, Honda HR-V, VW T-Roc, Suzuki Vitara, and Opel Crossland X also make excellent family cars. Mitsubishi also offers reliable family vehicles such as the ASX and Eclipse Cross. From the Subaru stables, consider the XV and Forester.

 

 

Need something a little more sophisticated? Consider the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, Renault Koleos, Citroën C5 Aircross, Subaru Outback, Ford Kuga, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo XC40/XC60, Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 3008 / 5008, Opel Grandland X, Audi Q2, Q3, Q5 and BMW X1, X3 and up, and GLA/GLB/GLC/GLE/GLS range in the Mercedes-Benz stables, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. (Just be careful with the smaller premium SUVs like the GLA and Audi Q2 - some can be a little cramped, depending on your stroller size.)

 

 

Larger, outdoorsy families will love the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Haval H9, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the larger Hyundai Palisade which has just launched (just a smidge under one million bucks). If your budget is over a million you will probably start looking at SUVs like the new Land Cruiser 300, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Defender 110, Volvo XC90, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Porsche Cayenne.

 

If you have a query, you can always ask AutoTrader, we'd be happy to help.